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Harris was in the same boat as many other Hurricanes then, a young guy thrown into a pressure-cooker as Miami began rebuilding after a 5-7 season.

Those days are gone, he says.

"Can't sit up there and say 'we're young' anymore," said Harris, the quarterback who threw for 3,352 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2009 in his first season as a full-time starter. "We're all juniors and seniors, basically. We're ready to have some fun."

Miami opens preseason camp this morning, and the "No Excuses" wristbands it has broken out from time to time in recent years are back, a reminder that youth and inexperience should no longer stand between Miami and the top of the ACC.

Coach Randy Shannon says staying healthy they key: "If you can go through the season without any injuries, you're probably going to win the conference."

Gators, seminoles: Florida reported for practice, led by captains Justin Trattou and Mike Pouncey. … Florida State begins practice this afternoon, the first time since 1975 it starts without Bobby Bowden as coach.

PItino trial: A jury deliberated for nearly two hours but went home without reaching a decision in the case of a woman accused of demanding millions from Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino to keep quiet about their sexual tryst. Karen Cunagin Sypher, 50, has pleaded not guilty to extortion and other charges. She did not testify in her defense, and her attorneys rested their case in Louisville on Wednesday without calling any witnesses. In closing arguments, they claimed that Sypher's ex-husband, Tim, a Pitino aide since 1996, tried to extort the coach. Jurors will resume discussions this morning.

Alabama: Coach Nick Saban didn't have anything new on the NCAA investigation of star defensive end Marcell Dareus for possible rules violations for a spring trip to Miami's South Beach. Dareus will practice when camp begins today. Also, Saban said that in a "mutually agreed" decision, sophomore safety Rod Woodson will transfer. Woodson played in 12 games last season, mostly on special teams.

Marshall: Coach Doc Holliday dismissed three freshmen from South Florida, one of whom, defensive tackle Mike Fleurizard, was charged and jailed in the robbery of a pizza delivery driver Saturday. Also gone are running back Antwon Chisholm and receiver Fred Pickett. Holliday, a former Florida assistant, didn't cite specifics for the dismissals, saying only the three had not lived up to "what we require."

Pitt: Starting defensive end Jabaal Sheard, a senior from Hollywood, Fla., was reinstated to the team after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct for a fight last month in which he threw a man through an art gallery's glass door. A judge ordered Sheard to pay a $300 fine and medical bills, and apologize. Coach Dave Wannstedt said he also will discipline Sheard.

USC: The Trojans opened practice in Los Angeles watched mostly by media members, who had to sign a detailed form before being allowed onto the field. The school's NCAA sanctions stemming from a relationship between an agent and former running back Reggie Bush in 2004 bans many fans, boosters and others who watched the Trojans in years past.